The Government’s decision to bear all medical expenses of the veteran musician Amber Gurung has been welcomed by well-wishers and the music fraternity. 

Issuing a press statement on Tuesday, Nepal Academy of Music and Drama(NAMUDA) thanked the Government for coming to the ailing singer’s aid. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude towards the Government for its decision to bear all medical expenses of the veteran singer and composer Amber Gurung. With the decision, the Government has feted Gurung’s invaluable contribution to Nepali music and society,” the statement read. 

Veteran singer Gurung, whose glittering music career has spanned over six decades, has been suffering with Parkinson’s Disease and diabetes. Gurung is currently in India seeking treatment at the Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon. 

Gurung, who is the composer of the Nepali national anthem, saw an outpouring of support once the news of his hospitalisation became public. Last week, many fans and well-wishers took to social networking sites to wish him well and to urge the Government to help—many expressing dissatisfaction with the recent trend of the Government bearing medical expenses of political leaders while turning a blind eye towards other luminaries who have contributed to Nepali society.